# Grant readiness worksheet

Version 1.0 · Prepared October 3, 2026 · GrantWriterMatch Editorial

Use for one organization, project and opportunity or a clearly bounded research need. This is a self-assessment of dependencies, not an eligibility certificate, numerical readiness score or award prediction.

Use **documented**, **needs work**, **not confirmed** or **not applicable** for each item. “Not applicable” needs a reason tied to your situation. If no opportunity has been selected, leave its requirements not confirmed and assess whether you are ready to buy research instead.

**Organization and project:** ____________________  
**Opportunity and official instructions, if selected:** ____________________  
**Deadline and time zone:** ____________________  
**Person completing the check and date:** ____________________

| Check | What counts as useful evidence | Your status | Missing item, owner and due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Current funder instructions identifying eligible entity types, geography, project activities and any exclusions | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Authority to apply | The person or body able to approve the request and the process required | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Project definition | Who will be served, what will happen, where, when and who will deliver it | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Need and supporting evidence | Relevant current data or documented experience, with sources and limitations | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Outcomes and measurement | Intended results, reasonable indicators, baseline if required, collection method and responsible person | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Project budget | Costed activities, assumptions, source of figures and finance approval | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Match or cost share | The actual requirement, permitted sources and evidence that the commitment can be met, if applicable | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Delivery capacity | Staff, facilities, partners, permissions or other resources needed to carry out the project | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Financial administration | Ability to track grant funds, document spending and produce the required reports | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Supporting documents | The exact required attachments and the current person/version responsible for each | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Registration and access | Active required entity registrations, portal users, permissions and submission authority | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Staff availability | Named program, finance and approval contacts who can meet the preparation schedule | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Hiring budget | Money available for professional help, separate from hoped-for funding | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Timing and cash flow | Time until a decision, spending/reimbursement timing and a plan if the award is delayed or unsuccessful | ____________________ | ____________________ |
| Final submission plan | Who approves each component, submits and checks the receipt or validation messages | ____________________ | ____________________ |

**Known eligibility issue requiring an official answer:** ____________________  
**Project decision that must be made before drafting:** ____________________  
**Evidence or document to obtain first:** ____________________  
**Next service to consider:** research / readiness or planning / proposal writing / editing or review / internal preparation.  
**Next action, responsible person and date:** ____________________

Keep your completed version in your own files. The blank worksheet is free to use; it is not an application and does not submit information to a writer.